Trauma Informed Behavior Specialist (SY26/27)

Reporting to the Principal, the Trauma-Informed Behavior Specialist at Rice Children's Center is responsible for providing coaching and consultation to school personnel (teachers, support staff, clinicians administration, and agency stakeholders) on evidence-based best practices to effectively serve students who have experienced significant levels of trauma. The person in this role will also serve as the school trainer in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) to newly hired and existing staff.

The Trauma-Informed Specialist is accountable for the following:

• Coach teachers, support staff, and clinicians on developing and implementing positive behavior support plans and intervention techniques
• Participate in school leadership and school improvement team (SIT) meetings serving as an active participant in the development and implementation of schoolwide positive behavior intervention support
• Consult with general education and special education teachers and special services providers related to individual student needs, including behavior intervention plans and IEP goals addressing the social-emotional and behavioral needs of students
• Provide training in the use of data collection, positive behavior supports, intervention techniques, and instructional methodologies to educational staff
• Assist with observations of individual students who exhibit severe behaviors in the classroom and other settings as needed
• Consult with parents and caregivers concerning the status of behavior in the home and/or in the residential facility to make recommendations that can be implemented across settings
• Develop materials and provide resources for and provide professional development to administrators, educators, paraprofessionals, and parents/guardians on evidence-based methodologies related to addressing the needs of students with complex social-emotional, and behavioral difficulties due to severe trauma
• Work in close partnership with school Social Workers and Psychologists who evaluate, develop, and implement functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans for students who exhibit maladaptive/unexpected behaviors and provide support and professional learning for staff who work with students who exhibit such behaviors
• Serve as a critical thought partner for Special Education Teachers, Related Service Providers, Social Workers, and Support Staff on strategies for building and maintaining trusting relationships with students who exhibit severe behaviors due to the impact of trauma and their disability
• Utilize sound psychological principles concerning the growth and development of children
• Assist students and team with successfully reintegrating Rice students into District 65 schools as the least restrictive environment (LRE)
• Performs additional responsibilities as assigned to support the effective and efficient functioning of Rice Children's Center

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Trauma-Informed Behavior Specialist must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Education or job-related area
• Certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) 

Position Qualifications: 

• Minimum of (5) years of experience in the field of education, human services, social work, psychology, or related field
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience working with the following: children and families, impact of trauma with children, understanding of early childhood developmental needs
• Minimum of three (3) years of prior experience with children and youth with advanced social-emotional, mental health, and behavioral needs
• Prior experience or understanding of residential treatment centers, therapeutic day schools, family child care homes, and the foster system
• Experience facilitating trainings and/or offering individual coaching support 

Compensation and Benefits (2025-2026 school year)

Salary Range:
$22,500-$45,000

Benefits include:

• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension plan (IMRF)
• Life insurance
• Long term disability
• Flexible benefits plan
• Pet Insurance
• 11 Sick days
• 2 Personal days
• Direct deposit
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Application Procedure:
Apply online at www.district65.net

Selection Procedure:
Selected qualified candidates will be notified to schedule an interview.